59 students across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels benefited from the Seeds of Hope Merit Awards Ceremony 2023. (Photo by Fong Kwai Kin)
As volunteers performed a play on stage, fifteen-year-old Alicia could not hold back her tears in the audience seat for the performance depicted the real-life experiences of her family.
Alicia's father, Abdul Azeez, originally from Sri Lanka, married Lucy, a Singaporean, years ago, and formed a family in Singapore. In 2021, Abdul Azeez was diagnosed with kidney disease, prompting the need for dialysis treatments.
As a foreign citizen, Abdul Azeez had no access to financial assistance from the Singaporean government. The substantial cost of dialysis compelled the family to return to Sri Lanka for treatment. Unfortunately, the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, political instability, and an uncertain living environment presented numerous challenges to Abdul Azeez's path to treatment.
The emotional tale on stage reflects Alicia's family's real journey. (Photo by Lim Suan Chu)
When it was time for their son to prepare for national service, Abdul Azeez urged his wife Lucy and daughter Alicia to return to Singapore due to the requirement that parents have to accompany their children to enlist. Despite Abdul Azeez's decision to stay alone in Sri Lanka for dialysis, Alicia chose to stay back. She self-educated, managed household affairs, and learned to care for her father.
Upon Lucy's return to Singapore, she actively sought financial assistance for her husband, while Alicia emailed ministers to seek help. The case eventually reached Tzu Chi. With collective efforts, Abdul Azeez finally received financial aid for dialysis, enabling him to undergo treatment in Singapore. Alicia's dedication and filial piety earned her recognition with the Filial Piety Award.
The joy of witnessing Alicia’s growth radiates content smiles on the parents' faces. (Photo by Lim Suan Chu)
On 17 December 2023, Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore) held the Seeds of Hope Merit Awards Ceremony, benefiting 59 students.
The Seeds of Hope Bursary Programme encourages students to unleash their potential and excel in various fields, illuminating a guiding light for their educational journey. Part of the programme is the monthly home visits conducted by volunteers to monitor the academic progress of the assisted students, emphasizing character education.
The Seeds of Hope Bursary offers six awards: the Diligence Award, Filial Piety Award, Special Talent Award, Academic Excellence Award, Academic Progress Award, and Conduct Progress Award. The recipients encompass students from primary and secondary schools and tertiary institutions.
From seeds to mighty trees, beneficiaries vow to give back the love
As Abdul Azeez and Lucy watched the lows of their past unfold before them, a myriad of emotions surged. Abdul Azeez fought back tears while Lucy wiped away hers as they witnessed the challenges they had overcome. Alicia, who received the Filial Piety Award for two consecutive years, took the stage and expressed her wish to spread the love she received. She said, "I am grateful for Tzu Chi's assistance over these two years. I plan to give half of the just-received award to my parents and donate the other half to charity to spread this love."
Alicia also aspires to become a nurse or social worker to help other families. Her mother, Lucy, remarked after the ceremony, "It is truly touching that Master Cheng Yen has led a group of kind and compassionate Tzu Chi volunteers."
As the recipient of the Filial Piety Award for two consecutive years, when Alicia took the stage, she expressed her hope to spread the love she received to others. (Photo by Lim Suan Chu)
Grandchildren express gratitude and pledge to repay the love
Twelve years ago, on her daughter's deathbed, Madam Wong promised to take care of her three grandchildren. At that time, the eldest granddaughter was eleven, the second grandson was nine, and the youngest grandson was five. With tears in her eyes, her daughter passed away. To fulfil her promise, Madam Wong and her husband worked hard to provide for and raise the three grandchildren. Madam Wong worked as a cleaner to make ends meet. Despite their health challenges and financial constraints, the couple's commitment to the education and well-being of their grandchildren remained unwavering. A few years ago, Madam Wong's husband passed away due to illness. Undeterred, she faced life with resilience, stating, "I must fulfil my promise to my daughter and raise my grandchildren to adulthood."
The youngest grandson, now seventeen, has achieved three awards – Academic Excellence Award, Diligence Award, and Filial Piety Award. He worded his gratitude towards his grandmother into a card with a cover that reads 'The Greatest Grandma.' Madam Wong took the card, opened it, and was moved to tears by the brief yet deeply affectionate expression of gratitude.
The youngest grandson of Madam Wong shared that over the years, they have witnessed the hardships of their grandparents. Whenever he faced with academic challenges and lows, even though his grandmother could not guide him with his homework, she always provided him ample encouragement and support. He said, "Grandma always tells me not to give up!"
Amid the applause of their families and volunteers, the students walk up to the stage in an orderly manner to receive the awards. (Photo by Fong Kwai Kin)
He and his brother excelled in both academics and character. Both brothers received awards, but his brother could not attend the ceremony as he was engaged in a school event. He mentioned that to ease their grandmother's worries, he and his brother always listen to their grandmother and follow her advice.
A volunteer nearby commented, "We are Madam Wong's listeners." Since Madam Wong's husband passed away, she has had fewer confidants. During the monthly home visits, Madam Wong would share significant and trivial life aspects with the volunteers. It can be said that the volunteers have witnessed the three grandchildren grow from childhood to youth. Madam Wong smiled and said, "Tzu Chi has helped us a lot!"
Laughter and tears intertwined as the children serve tea
The event also featured a tea ceremony segment, where the children carried tea in neat rows into the hall. Kneeling in front of their parents, they served tea as a gesture of gratitude for their upbringing. When Mr Tan received the teacup from his four children, he could not help but be moved to tears. The four children, recipients of the Filial Piety Award, also presented heartfelt letters to their father and said to their father, "Dad, I love you!"
In an emotional interview, Mr Tan choked up and said, "All four children are sensible and willing to share household responsibilities. I don't expect them to achieve greatness, but I hope they become good individuals who can contribute to society."
The event included a tea ceremony that brims with touching moments. (Photo by Chua Zhen Jia)
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